A Dramatic Confrontation

The conclusion of "Lodestar" must be the most dramatic scene written by Poul Anderson. Falkayn has betrayed van Rijn. Van Rijn has risked Coya's life. Falkayn confronts van Rijn. Coya, Adzel, Chee Lan and Hirharouk watch. Coya is introduced in this story and will be Falkayn's wife in Mirkheim. Hirharouk appears only in this story but we know his species, the Ythrians, and his contributions to the dialogue are appropriate.

In his first interview with van Rijn, Falkayn had managed only:

"'Yes sir,' Falkayn mumbled."

-Poul Anderson, "The Trouble Twisters" IN Anderson, David Falkayn: Star Trader (Riverdale, NY, 2010), pp. 81-208 AT II, p. 97.

- and:

"'But - but - that is -'"

-ibid., p. 98.

- whereas, in "Lodestar," he has become able to say:

"'Do you want a response? I deem best we let what is past stay dead.'"

-"Lodestar," p. 680.

Falkayn, like Flandry, matures.